Assessment of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care at Selected Hospitals in Ogun State

Male partner involvement in antenatal care has been shown to improve maternal health outcomes, increase institutional delivery uptake, and support postnatal and infant care decisions, yet structured male engagement programmes remain limited in most Nigerian health facilities. This study assesses the level and determinants of male partner involvement in antenatal care at selected hospitals in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional study enrolled 250 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at three hospitals in Abeokuta North, Sagamu, and Ifo LGAs. A structured questionnaire captured history of partner accompaniment to clinic, participation in antenatal health education, involvement in birth planning, and women's perception of partner supportiveness. Male accompaniment to at least one antenatal visit was reported by 47 percent of respondents. Only 18 percent reported partner attendance at health education sessions. Discussion of birth plans with partners was confirmed by 53 percent. Higher educational attainment of both partners (OR 2.7), urban residence (OR 2.1), and women's positive perception of health workers' welcoming attitude towards male partners (OR 3.4) were significant predictors of involvement. The study reveals that while spousal communication is relatively common, clinic-level involvement remains low in Ogun State. Recommendations include dedicated partner-friendly antenatal education sessions, male partner enrolment in birth preparedness counselling, and signage in antenatal waiting areas encouraging partner participation. Keywords: male partner involvement, antenatal care, Ogun State, birth preparedness, maternal health